C.Lund & Son Commences Arts Centre Construction Contract

C.Lund & Son Commences Arts Centre Construction Contract

Following a competitive tender for the project, locally based construction company C. Lund & Son has begun work on the restoration of the Boys’ High building.

The project has an estimated cost of $15 million and an anticipated finish date of mid 2015.

The Boys’ High building was designed by W.B. Armson and constructed in 1881, with three major extensions in 1891, 1896 and 1913. The building was home to Christchurch Boys’ High until 1926.

Arts Centre chief executive André Lovatt says the work on the Boys’ High building marks another exciting phase in the restoration of the Arts Centre.

“We are progressing on a number of the most significant heritage buildings within the Arts Centre, and by mid 2015 will be completing several major projects, including the iconic College Hall and Clock Tower,” says André Lovatt.

“While there is still a long journey ahead we are extremely pleased that the programme is now well underway.”

C. Lund & Son Managing Director, Andrew MacGregor says the company was very excited to be given the opportunity to help restore the Arts Centre.

“The Arts Centre staff and consultants have done well to get its restoration work underway and we’re thrilled to be a part of the process. The fact that the buildings are going to be saved and restored is great,” he says.

Mr MacGregor believes the company brings a wide range of experience to the project.

“We’ve carried out a lot of similar strengthening work in the past. We have highly skilled staff familiar with this kind of work – that is definitely a big part of what we will bring to the Arts Centre,” says Mr MacGregor.

Prior to the earthquakes, the building was home to a number of retail tenants, including Beadz Unlimited, Arts Centre Leather Shop, the Wool Studio, Woodcraft Gallery, NZ Jade and Opal, Connexions Gallery, Art Works, Gallery O, Arts Centre Bookshop and Coffee Corner.

Mr Lovatt says a range of uses for the newly restored building are currently being considered in line with the Arts Centre vision – a process being undertaken in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and experts.

“For the time being, the scope of the restoration will provide flexibility in terms of end uses,” says André Lovatt.

“Ultimately, the Boys’ High building will form a major part of the newly restored Arts Centre’s role as a centre for education, innovation and creative industry” says Mr Lovatt.

ENDS

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